What They Say About Us

Dan has a really great emotional coaching approach with our pupils, and he makes relationships very quickly which support impactful out of class interventions.  Our pupils share how much they enjoy the work with Dan, and value him as a member of our team. Not often do part time staff, feel such as integral part of the whole school community. We are proud and thankful to have Dan as part of our provision at our school and for our community.  It has been such as success; we have now increased to having Dan with us two days a week to support our universal offer as well as our SEN Support.

- Vicki McCarthy
SENDCo Court Fields School, Wellington

"This provision has had a transformative impact on our students. We've seen a marked improvement in attendance, with learners re-engaging thanks to the supportive and structured environment. The use of AQA Unit Awards has been particularly effective in boosting confidence and giving students tangible recognition for their progress. Tracking is clear and consistent, allowing us to monitor development closely and celebrate successes. Most importantly, outcomes have improved—not just academically, but in terms of emotional resilience and readiness to return to mainstream lessons."

- Mr James Kyberd
Assistant Headteacher and SENDCoDesignated TeacherAxe Valley Academy, Axminster

SpokeUP offers sessions of engaging, practical learning to a wide range of students including those experiencing poor attendance, a range of special educational needs and financial disadvantage. Dan’s calm and patient manner has ensured that positive relationships have been established quickly and that students have enjoyed their sessions and gained meaningful skills and qualifications. The programme has been well organised with clear timely communication between school staff and Spoke Up.

- Louise Telford
DeputyPrincipal, SENDCO Clyst Vale School, Broadclyst

We have been involved with Dan and SpokeUp since its inception because we knew the huge value and skillset Dan would bring to some of our most vulnerable children.  His passion for children's success coupled with his patience, empathy and love of bikes has led to better confidence, engagement and attendance from so many of our students over the past 3 years.

- Dave MacCormick
Head teacher, Holyrood Academy

We have been so proud to offer this intervention to our students, it has often been the difference between them attending school and not attending school. Dan has a natural ability to engage with children of varying ages and needs, and I feel confident in his ability to ‘make it happen’. Dan has monitored these interventions well for us and we have been able to see the positive impact they have made. He doesn’t stand still with his provision, he holds it dear and always looks to improve it and make it better.

- Gemma Ayres
SEMH and AP Lead, Holyrood Academy.

“It helped me to know the different parts on a bike and the best bit of the programme was the group ride.”

- Student

“I really enjoyed it!”

- Student

“I enjoyed coming to school because I had SpokeUP.”

- Student

“My child liked this programme. It offered him an alternative style of learning. He came home and would speak about what he had learnt or made. He enjoys making things, and still uses a keyring that he made as his ‘fidget’ aid in school.”

- Parent

“He enjoyed practical learning and he is keen to practice what he has learnt on his own bike!”

- Parent

“It has given my son an incentive to come to school and helped massively with his behaviour.”

- Parent